In the midst of escalating internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, the Zonal Secretary for the South-South region and Caretaker Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter, has vehemently denied reports of his expulsion from the party. Turnah described the allegations as “fake and baseless,” attributing them to “political opportunists and mischief-makers” aiming to sow discord.
The controversy stems from a purported PDP convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025, where Turnah was allegedly among 11 members expelled for anti-party activities. The list included high-profile figures such as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. The motion for expulsion was reportedly moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Chairman Samaila Burga, with the aim of addressing internal divisions threatening the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued on November 16, 2025, by his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday Egbo, Turnah urged PDP members and the public to disregard the reports entirely. Titled “Clarification on Purported Expulsion of George Turnah from the PDP,” the statement emphasized that no legitimate national convention has been held since 2022, when the party nominated its presidential candidate for the 2023 elections. “This news is entirely fake and baseless. It is nothing more than a pitiful display of desperation from certain political opportunists and mischief-makers within the Party. Such claims hold no merit and can be dismissed as ‘good riddance to bad rubbish,'” the statement read.
Turnah further highlighted procedural flaws, noting that the PDP Constitution explicitly outlines offenses and disciplinary measures, including the right to a fair hearing—requirements he claims were ignored in this instance. “The PDP’s Constitution clearly and unambiguously outlines offenses and the corresponding disciplinary procedures to be followed, ensuring the right to fair hearing as a prerequisite for any disciplinary action,” he asserted.
Reaffirming his status as a “bonafide member and a duly elected official of the Party with unwavering commitment to its ideals,” Turnah pledged his continued loyalty to Wike, whom he referred to as the “National Leader of the Party.” “His loyalty to the National Leader of the Party and Honourable Minister of the FCT, H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, remains steadfast and unshakeable,” the statement concluded.
This development underscores ongoing factional tensions within the PDP, particularly in the South-South zone, which encompasses key Niger Delta states like Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta. Analysts suggest the rift could impact regional politics, including resource allocation and electoral strategies in oil-rich areas. Wike, a former Rivers State Governor, has been at the center of the party’s internal battles, often clashing with other leaders over control and loyalty.
The PDP national leadership has yet to respond officially to Turnah’s rebuttal, but the incident highlights the fragility of party unity in the Niger Delta, where political allegiances can influence development projects and community stability.
